When you think of flowers for gardening, you probably think of colorful annuals. Annuals grow easily and can be transplanted directly into the garden. They are also easy to grow indoors and transplant outdoors. However, if you’re looking for a different kind of plant, you can purchase seedlings. These can be a great choice if you want to attract bees. Listed below are some tips for choosing the right annual flowers for your yard.
Plants that thrive in Connecticut
Native plants are a great way to add curb appeal to your lawn and landscape while also providing a sanctuary for local fauna. Plants with native flora attract pollinators and other creatures to your property. In addition to providing a natural habitat, native plants are also good for the soil and climate in your area. In Connecticut, different parts have varying hardiness zones, so different plants will do best in each region.
For perennial blooming, consider growing a Pale-leaved sunflower. This annual flower will grow three feet high and needs full sun and medium soil. Its pale yellow flowers will attract hummingbirds and other beneficial insects to your yard, reducing the number of pests that will attack your plants. Another perennial flower, yellow stargrass, has star-shaped petals. It also has a pleasant fragrance.
For a vegetable garden in Connecticut, you can plant several asparagus varieties. Asparagus is a biennial plant, meaning it will grow back year after year. It will continue to produce a heavy harvest two years after you plant it. The same goes for Brussels sprouts. Alternatively, you can alternate between planting seeds and spears to increase the yield. These plants can grow in a small space and thrive in Connecticut.
Hardiness zones in Connecticut vary, but recommended perennials should grow well here. It’s also worth noting that cultivars of the same species can vary in their hardiness. Look for the plant identification labels to learn the hardiness zone of a specific variety. Lighting needs may vary, so make sure to read the labels to ensure the best selection for your garden. You’ll be happy you did. But don’t be afraid to experiment a little if you aren’t sure.
Plants that are easy to grow
Flower plants are easy to grow and can be used to add a splash of color to your garden. If you are new to gardening, you might be skeptical about planting flowers. But if you’re not sure how to get started, read through the seed catalogs and you’ll find easy-to-grow flowers for your gardening projects. These plants will add year-round interest to your garden, without being too difficult.
Sunflowers are very easy to grow and make good ground covers. They do best in soil that is consistently moist, so plant them after the danger of a late spring frost. Sunflowers are deer-resistant and require little maintenance. They bloom from summer into fall. You can deadhead spent blooms to encourage more blooming, and use the seeds to plant next year. These plants are also very self-seeding, so you don’t have to worry about weeding.
Sunflowers are easy to grow and require little care. Their bright yellow or orange flowers are attractive in any container, but they also make a striking garden edging. Sunflower seeds should be planted directly into the ground after the last frost date, or can be started indoors six to eight weeks before the forecasted last frost date. Sunflowers will self-seed from season to season, so be sure to give them some shade during the afternoon. You can also deadhead spent flowers to encourage new blooms.
Marigolds are among the easiest flowers to grow and will provide you with bright, colourful blooms in the spring and summer. Marigolds can be grown from seeds or transplants. Marigolds prefer soil that drains well and allows them to dry out between waterings. In addition, marigolds like full sunlight. Besides being a great choice for your garden, marigolds also provide a great source of food for birds and pollinating insects.
Another popular perennial plant is the bleeding heart. These plants are very popular with gardeners, because of their distinct flower petals. The petals hang down from the flower stalks and resemble a heart. The foliage of the bleeding heart plant is also dark green, adding to its overall forest look. They last for five to seven years, and are excellent choices if you’re trying to save money for other gardening projects. So, what’s the next step?
Plants that attract bees
Plants that attract bees are beneficial for the environment and will add a touch of beauty to your yard. It can be a little intimidating when bees first start visiting your yard. It is important to remember that the stinging is actually a defense mechanism to protect its nest from predators. However, bees are busy, curious creatures that want to feed on nectar and pollen. Fortunately, they’ll come back for more, so be sure to include some varieties of flowers that attract bees.
Many people choose lavender plants to attract bees, but they also attract a variety of other bees, which will pollinate the flowers. Blue-purple and yellow flowers are particularly attractive to bees, but most species will like any flower with a shallow or flat bloom. The longer-tongued bumblebee, on the other hand, prefers flowers with hidden nectar spurs.
Native bees are best at attracting the pollinating insects in your yard, but ornamental flowers can also attract the pollinators. Bees like flowers that bloom at different times of the year, so choose plants that have multiple blooming periods. Blue hydrangeas, for example, will attract bees due to their blue flowers on top of silvery foliage. If you’re not sure which plants to choose, consider native flowers.
Other plants that attract bees include heirloom varieties of many common garden herbs. Herbs that produce pollen and fruit are particularly attractive to bees. The varieties of hibiscus, chrysanthemums, and sunflowers are all excellent choices for bees. You’ll also want to consider planting flowering fruits like mangoes and papaya. Herbs that attract bees include alyssum, calendula, and zinnia.
Bees love flowers and are essential for the reproduction of plants. Whether you’re growing tomatoes or roses, bees must have an ample supply of flowers to make their nests happy. Ideally, flowers that are large and in clusters of several feet wide will attract more bees. If you’re growing bees, try planting a variety of flowers that appeal to these pollinators.
Plants that bloom in spring
While you can’t plant tulips and other spring flowers until late May, there are many plants that bloom early and can fill in the space. These are edible flowers that bloom in early spring, and they provide a burst of color to shady spots. You can also grow these plants from seed in full sun. For those who aren’t a fan of tulips, try growing wild hyacinth.
The first of these plants to bloom in early spring are the bloodroot and the crocus. The flowers of this perennial plant are large, white, with yellow centers. They emerge from a rhizome, and a single stem will have one flower and leaf. The name ‘bloodroot’ comes from the red liquid that flows out of the root when the flower is cut. It lasts for a few days, but is a great addition to the spring garden.
The first flowers of the season are snowdrops and hellebores. These early blooming plants give a hint of spring’s imminent arrival. These plants can fill large spaces quickly, and they’re easy to divide once they’ve bloomed. You can divide them after they finish blooming before the foliage dies back. They’re very low-maintenance and are particularly attractive under deciduous trees.
Tulips are one of the most popular flowering bulbs. In UK climates, spring months are ideal for sprouting flowering bulbs. Longer days and warmer temperatures encourage the growth of these plants. This time of year, tulips are most likely to bloom – so you can plant them now and enjoy the bright blooms for many years to come. Soil type is also important as tulips need good drainage to keep the soil moist.
